Hurricane Helene has severely disrupted travel across the Southeast U.S., leading to challenges for passengers seeking to change or cancel flights without financial penalties. Airlines are generally not obliged to provide free changes or cancellations due to weather-related events, but some are making concessions based on their specific policies. Travelers are advised to review airline alerts and insurance coverage carefully to understand their rights and options in this current crisis.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which recently impacted the Southeast U.S., travelers contemplating alterations to their air travel plans are likely to encounter significant challenges in securing refunds or changes without incurring additional costs. Eric Napoli, Chief Legal Officer at AirHelp, emphasizes that travelers possess very limited rights when a substantial disruption occurs in U.S. air travel. Hurricane Helene, categorized as a Category 4 storm, struck Florida on Thursday, causing widespread wind damage and flooding across several states, including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. The death toll exceeded 120 individuals, with millions experiencing power outages and many stranded without access to essential services. Following this disaster, the North Carolina Department of Transportation has advised against unnecessary travel through the western region of the state due to numerous road closures stemming from downed trees and landslides, which resulted in catastrophic damage. Travelers facing the prospect of flight cancellations or changes due to the storm may discover that airlines are often reluctant to provide financial accommodations. However, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines must issue prompt refunds for flight cancellations or significant changes, even for non-refundable tickets. Nonetheless, the unfavorable weather conditions caused by storms like Hurricane Helene, which are deemed beyond the control of the airlines, significantly restrict passenger rights to compensation. Napoli stated that airlines generally adhere to their ticket fare policies regarding refunds and changes for affected passengers. Some airlines are making certain concessions as a result of Hurricane Helene, but these measures vary by airline and the affected regions. Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet, remarked that each airline’s rules differ significantly. Major U.S. carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines have released travel alerts outlining their policies related to the storm. United Airlines, for instance, is waiving change fees and fare differences for passengers whose travel plans were disrupted by flooding, provided that their tickets were purchased prior to September 26, to be rescheduled for travel between September 30 and October 31, 2024. American Airlines is affording flexibility to passengers traveling through Augusta, Georgia, while Delta passengers must rebook for travel through Asheville or Valdosta by October 18 to avoid fare differences, although change fees remain waived.
Hurricane Helene’s impact has been devastating in several states along the Southeast U.S., prompting extensive recovery efforts and raising concerns for travelers. The storm has left a significant portion of the population without power, has caused fatalities, and has disrupted normal travel patterns due to extensive road closures and infrastructural damage. This situation has necessitated a closer examination of airline policies regarding cancellations and refunds during such natural disasters, where travelers often feel frustrated by their limited options.
In conclusion, travelers affected by Hurricane Helene face significant hurdles in modifying their travel plans without incurring additional costs due to the airlines’ policies on weather-related disruptions. While airlines are mandated to provide refunds for cancellations and significant changes, the broader implications of natural disasters limit compensation rights for passengers. Travelers should stay informed of individual airline policies and consider travel insurance options critically as they navigate these complications.
Original Source: www.cnbc.com
